Kwang Suk Lee’s research while affiliated with Korea University and other places

The relative strength of three suture methods of lacerated tendon were measured by mechanical disruption in effort to determine the strength of suture technique. Fifty-four calcaneal tendons of 27 New Zealand white rabbits were transected at mid-portion and repaired with the three suture techniques: group 1: Kessler suture; group 2: Pennington's modified-Kessler suture; and group 3: augmented-Becker suture technique. Each group was composed of 18 calcaneal tendons. Three groups of rabbits, 9 in each, were, respectively, sacrificed immediately after suture, at 2 weeks postoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively. The augmented-Becker repair was strongest in tensile strength and maximum stress at immediate operation, 2 weeks postoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. The augmented-Becker repair had the highest modulus of elasticity at time of suture, at 2 and at 4 weeks postoperatively. Tensile strength, maximum stress and modulus of elasticity gradually increased from the time of operation to 4 weeks, but the difference was not of statistical significance at 4 weeks.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the patency rates and the histologic findings of neoendothelialization according to the length of implanted polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with an internal diameter of 3 mm. Under the operating microscope, grafts of 8 and 24 mm in length were implanted in the right carotid arteries of rabbits. All implanted grafts were 25 μm in fibril length and 0.39 mm in wall thickness. All the grafts were harvested at different intervals and observed for the patency rates and histologic findings with light microscope and scanning electron microscope. There was no difference in patency rates according to the length of implanted PTFE. Histologically the formation of neointima and subintim was delayed and incomplete in longer implanted PTFE.

To investigate the effectiveness and to compare the degree of axonal regeneration with the control after the topical application of dexamethasone, hyaluronic acid and amniotic fluid at the repair site of the peripheral nerve.

Myositis Ossificans is known to be a benign heterotopic pseudomalignant bone formation in muscle and other soft tissue. When it is revealed as a localized form, 75% of the cases are associated with significant blunt trauma. We report a rare case of a nontraumatic ossificans in the lower leg of a 59-year-old woman, which has been spontaneously developed for 15 years.

The authors reviewed retrospectively the clinical results of 51 consecutive cases of vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft to the tibia for the reconstruction of extensive tibial bone and soft-tissue defects. The mean duration of follow-up was 31 months (range: 13 to 76 months). In the 51 procedures of free vascularized osteocutaneous fibula graft from the contralateral side, bony union was achieved in 48 cases at an average of 3.74 months after the operation, except for two cases of non-union and two cases of delayed union. Forty-eight cutaneous flaps survived, and three cutaneous flaps failed due to deep infection and venous thrombosis. All united fibulae hypertrophied during the follow-up periods. Stress fracture of the grafted fibula was the most common complication (16 cases), and it was treated with above-the-knee cast immobilization or internal fixation with a conventional cancellous bone graft. The free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular graft is recommended as a useful treatment modality for the reconstruction of extensive tibial defects combined with soft tissue injury.

The deep transverse metacarpal ligament (DTML) extends in radio-ulnar direction between the palmar plates of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the second through fifth finger rays. On the radial aspect of the index and the ulnar aspect of the small fingers, the ligament merges with the collateral ligament of the MCP joints. The ligament has palmar grooves for the flexor tendons at the MCP joints and act as a support for the metacarpal arch. Closed DTML injury is an unusual case, but the physical findings of DTML injury are a decrease in grip strength, deviation of the finger in flexion and pain on the affected site of the hand. We have experienced a case of neglected DTML injury of left third interdigital space in a 23-year-old man.

PURPOSE: For the treatment of displaced children supracondylar fractures, closed reduction and lateral pinning were performed consecutively and their results were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from January 1997 to May 2001, all children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus were treated by closed reduction and lateral K-wire pinning. Among them, 44 fractures with more than 1 year follow up were selected. Carrying angle and range of motion were measured. Baumann angle and lateral humerocapital angles were measured from the anteroposterior and lateral radiograph 3 times (immediate post op, K-wire removal, last follow up). RESULTS: Results were graded according to the criteria of Flynn et al. using both cosmetic and functional evaluation. According to the cosmetic factor, 36 cases (82%) were excellent and 8 cases (18%) were good. According to the functional factor, 39 cases (88%) were excellent and 5 cases (12%) were good. No statiscally significant differences, as seen on Baumann and humerocapital angle, between immediate post operative films and films taken at the time of K-wire removal (p=0.082, p=0.27). There was no significant differences in Baumann and humerocapital angle at the time of K-wire removal and last follow up (p=0.19, p=0.27). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and lateral K-wire pinning is considered as an acceptable modality of the treatment of displaced children supracondylar fractures.